2024

OFFICE DE TOURISME

Tourist office

The Dents du Midi Region Tourist Office promotes the villages of Champéry, Morgins, Torgon, Val d'Illiez - Les Crosets - Champoussin. As a true showcase and ambassador of its territory, the office welcomes you to its various offices to help you discover the riches of the region. Whether you are a great sportsman or a bucolic hiker in summer, a plethora of ideas and activities are proposed to you. You can apply for your Portes du Soleil activity sesame: the Multipass.

Read more
 Val-D'Illiez
2024

FOUNDATION / TATIANA ZUBOV MUSEUM

Art gallery exhibition space foundation and cultural center
5/5
2 reviews
Closed

Passionate about the Age of Enlightenment, collector Rosario Zoubov lived in the Hôtel Sellon, one of the most beautiful 18th-century townhouses in the old town. In 1957, she bequeathed her collection to the State of Geneva, in memory of her tragically deceased daughter. The sumptuous salons were used for chancellery receptions. Alongside stamped furniture, there are Chinese and European objects and paintings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

ROLEX LEARNING CENTER

Contemporary architecture
A monument of modern architecture. Let yourself be surprised by its ... Read more
 Lausanne
2024

ASSOCIATION BIENVENUE

Tourist office

Dare to ask, they are there to help you! The association Bienvenue works for a better quality of life in the urban environment by welcoming people, promoting social and economic development, providing access to cultural activities and helping vulnerable people (elderly, pregnant women, people with reduced mobility). You will be able to recognize the volunteer members thanks to their "Geneva Welcome" t-shirt. The association also offers guided tours in the international district or "Geneva from Cornavin station to Place Neuve".

Read more
 Geneva
2024

LAKE OF JEWELS

Natural site to discover
4.7/5
3 reviews

Lac de Joux (1 004 m), with Lake Brenet and Lake Ter, lies between the Chaîne chain and the massif du Mont Tender (1 679 m). It is the largest lake in the Jura (9,5 km 2), fed by the Orb and the Lion whose waters flow mainly into the limestone depths of the lake to the caves of Vallorbe. According to the season, it presents itself as a beautiful expanse of water surrounded by green mountains, paradise of wind-tops and bathers (the temperature of the water can reach 24 ° C)… or a gigantic natural rink marked with snow-capped peaks, the largest in Europe. In all seasons, it attracts many hikers and cyclists.

Read more
 L'Abbaye
2024

GOLDENPASS MOB

Guided tours

This tourist-oriented line offers an extraordinary journey in 2 different trains, with panoramic views of breathtaking landscapes, between lakes and peaks. A permanent spectacle punctuated by three passes, the famous 4,000 passes of the Alps, and eight lakes. The most nostalgic will appreciate the GoldenPass MOB Belle Epoque, with the allure of the Orient Express. It follows the same route as the Panoramic... In its gourmet and seasonal version, there is the Chocolate Train in summer and the Cheese Train in winter. The price includes the train journey and the visits.

Read more
 Montreux
2024

COLLEGE

Churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels
4.7/5
3 reviews

Built under Ulrich, Lord of Neuchâtel, from 1185 and completed in 1276, the collegiate church, which adjoins the castle, is of late Romanesque style. In 1530, the Reformation arrived in Neuchâtel; the collegiate church was emptied of its altars and its decoration and was assigned to a new cult. It was restored at the end of the 19th century. Inside, a rather dark Romanesque choir, the nave lighter, a beautiful funerary monument of the counts dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, restored in 1840. In front of the main entrance is a statue of the reformer Guillaume Farel. Nice cloister.

Read more
 Neuchâtel
2024

CREEK VALLEY NATURE RESERVE

Natural site to discover
4.7/5
3 reviews

Located in a rocky cirque, it is the largest nature reserve in the canton (15.2 km²). Marmots, chamois and roe deer can be observed in freedom in a majestic setting. At the foot of the amphitheatre, the Ferme-Robert (972 m), built in 1750 and the scene of a famous fight between the woodcutter David Robert and the last bear in the region, is a good place to take a walk from Noiraigue (50 min. on foot). The alpine hut has a beautiful view over the valley.

Read more
 Noiraigue
2024

THE WHITE HOUSE

Mansion to visit
Closed

La Maison blanche is the first architectural work created by Le Corbusier alone. For this all-round artist, the house adapts to man. He built it for his parents in 1912, on his return from the Orient. Classified as a monument of national importance, the Maison blanche was brought back to life thanks to the civic commitment of people from all walks of life who created an association. Why white? It comes from its white walls which, thanks to the light, appear to us as white.

Read more
 La Chaux-De-Fonds
2024

FONDATION MARTIN BODMER

Museums

It's a hymn to books. This museum brings together real marvels, real masterpieces that have survived the centuries and that we are lucky enough to admire. It's a fascinating museum, and a must-see. Martin Bodmer discovered books and the world of libraries thanks to his mother. His first acquisition was an illustrated edition of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Introduced to literature, and passionate about the written word, Martin Bodmer dedicated the rest of his life to selecting the world's best authors in all fields of the written word. The aim is to preserve these works as the common property of mankind: a panorama of human thought that has affected every era since our creation. At first, the 150,000-book private library was reserved for the most erudite of scholars, but Martin Bodmer's philanthropic activities soon spread. In 1971, the Martin Bodmer Foundation was established under private law to ensure the continuity of his work and promote public education. The life's work of this erudite Zurich collector and vice-president of the ICRC is showcased in an exceptional museum and library. The museum, designed by Mario Botta, presents witnesses to the creation of the mind, through all ages and in all parts of the world. The collection includes papyri, manuscripts, incunabula, first editions, unique and rare items, autographs, archaeological finds, sculptures, paintings, tapestries and musical scores. All these works retrace the evolution of humanity's great intellectual and spiritual advances, each object bearing witness to a key moment in the history of civilization. On two floors, among the 200 original pieces on display, we travel the world and the centuries, from Mesopotamia to Greece. Right at the entrance, you'll discover a scribe dating from the time of Ramses II, a precious and rare manuscript on parchment, such as the5th-century Gospel of Matthew in Coptic, open to the page of the kiss of Judas, one of the world's only copies of the Gutenberg Bible, and many other written treasures. Thanks to the ingenious success of a very modern museography, we learn a great deal, discovering literary works written by the most famous men from the four corners of the globe, from Antiquity to the present day. Captivating, intriguing and incomparably rich, the visit is a must.

Undergoing renovation and modernization until 2025.

Read more
 Cologny
2024

MUSÉE DE CAROUGE (MUSEUM OF CAROUGE)

Museums

The museum is housed in a typical Carouge house, in the heart of a beautiful private garden in the middle of town. This charming building houses collections by local artists, including sculptures, photographs of contemporary ceramics, earthenware, enamels and works of fine art, reflecting the history of Carouge and its artistic evolution.

The exhibition "Espèce de cornichon" : art, cuisine et chirat, until May 2023, retraced the history of the gherkin through the centuries. A highly original theme.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

CABINET D'ARTS GRAPHIQUES (GRAPHIC ARTS CABINET)

Museums

A very beautiful residence houses the Graphic Arts Cabinet of the Museum of Art and History of Geneva. It is undoubtedly one of the most important European centres in the field of the conservation and dissemination of works on paper. It preciously preserves engravings, prints, drawings, pastels... Some 375,000 items are kept in this case, including the world's largest collection of works by Jean-Etienne Liotard and drawings by Ferdinand Hodler.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

BIBLIOTHÈQUE D’ART ET D’ARCHÉOLOGIE - BAA (ART AND ARCHEOLOGY LIBRARY)

Museums

Opened in 1910 at the same time as the Geneva Museum of Art and History, it became a public library in 1911. It is the largest art library in Switzerland. Its collections are made up of works in all artistic fields: archaeology, fine arts, decorative arts, architecture, numismatics, museology, restoration, from prehistory to the contemporary era. More than 300,000 monographs, 6,000 journal titles and books.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

MUSÉE RATH (RATH MUSEUM)

Museums

Located on the Place de Neuve, opposite the Parc des Bastions, the neoclassical style of this building is reminiscent of a Greek temple. It is only open for temporary exhibitions (see the museum's website or that of the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire). This museum, which opened in 1826, was founded by the sisters of General Rath, a great art lover, and was the first Swiss fine arts museum. It regularly features interesting exhibitions, the most recent of which evokes the fascinating life of traveler Ella Maillart.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

MIR (International Reform Museum)

Museums
Closed

An excellent museum, simple and highly didactic, a must-see. A treasure trove for those who find the subtleties of the Reformation obscure, or who want to better understand Geneva's history. The museum's layout is highly educational. Before the advent of Protestantism, it's important to look at the historical context. Europe was in the grip of plague epidemics. Yesterday's convictions were being called into question. The Americas had just been discovered, the famous "great discoveries", and science was also challenging the great truths of the Church, which could no longer meet society's expectations. The Reformation? This is a movement of thought that seeks to take the founding texts of Christianity, the Bible, as its basis, without going through the interpretations of the Church. It was rooted in the humanism of the Renaissance, which was then in full swing. The Reformation was one of the key stages in Geneva's spiritual and political development. The museum is housed in a handsome 18th-century mansion, the Maison Mallet. Located a stone's throw from Saint-Pierre Cathedral, it occupies the cathedral's former cloister. A highly symbolic location: on May 21, 1536, the Reformation was adopted here. A video in the entrance traces the history of Martin Luther, then that of Jean Calvin, through the wars of religion that tore France apart. In 9 stages, it tells the story of Protestantism from the 16th century to the present day, from Luther's theses, born in part from the famous sale of indulgences by the Church to the faithful for the salvation of their souls. What price, then, for an assured passage to heaven? Luther was scandalized by these abuses of the Church, which was made rich by these particularly lucrative sales. These new ideas, revolutionary at the time, were widely disseminated thanks to the invention of the printing press. Books became accessible to a large population, 90% of whom were illiterate. Previously, their extremely high price and rarity made them accessible only to a very wealthy elite. Various personalities, including Luther and Calvin, put forward new ideas. Between 1562 and 1598, when Henry IV promulgated the Edict of Nantes, establishing tolerance between religions, France was bloodied by the Wars of Religion, culminating in the horror of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572. The first caricatures appear, and the persecutions of French Huguenots, provoked by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes promulgated by Louis XIV in 1685, are evoked, culminating in the exile of Protestants to Switzerland, with the arrival of Calvin in 1536, and the role of Geneva in the influence and spread of Calvinism... On a fascinating map, you'll follow the journeys of Protestant refugees, from the arrival of the Mayflower in America in 1620, to the celebration of the first Thanksgiving, and the arrival of other refugees in Huguenot South Africa, convinced they were arriving in the Promised Land, with all the well-known consequences for the original inhabitants. In each land of exile, these emigrants brought with them their know-how: wine in South Africa, lace in Holland, the famous watchmaking in Switzerland.... What's also interesting is to see old and sometimes moving writings: a personal letter from Calvin, accounts of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacres, engravings, historical documents, original works and objects dating from the 18th century wars of religion: bibles, old engravings of Geneva, Calvin's works in their original editions, portraits of the reformers, souvenirs of the persecutions and the Refuge. Don't miss the music room, where you can listen to true musical masterpieces inspired by Protestantism from the 16thcentury to the present day, set against a backdrop of stained-glass colors. It has been said that "Catholicism is for the eyes, Protestantism is for the ears". Here's a magnificent example of this, as we listen to the beauty of South African, Ethiopian and Hungarian Reformed songs, songs in Old French, Aretha Franklin, and Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus", covered here by Johnny Cash.... Finally, the historical cellars offer a look at contemporary Protestantism around the world. Interesting debates are set up, and we listen to excerpts from Martin Luther King's magnificent speech. You'll also be able to read some wonderful quotes from thought-provoking personalities. These magnificent words include one from Desmond Tutu, an icon, like Nelson Mandela, in the fight against apartheid: "Be kind to white people, they need you to rediscover their humanity".

"In the footsteps of the Reformation": a 10-stop tour of the old town, duration 1 hour. You can download the tour and educational packs at www.musee-reforme.ch/ecoles/

Activities at the MIR for children: we're given an interactive screen, and when we place it in front of some of the paintings, the personality of the work comes to life and begins to evoke the historical context of its period, its role etc. Excellent! An audio guide in 10 languages is available free of charge.

The store : the museum shop offers a wide selection of specialist books on the Reformation.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

BRUCKNER FOUNDATION

Art gallery exhibition space foundation and cultural center

This foundation was created in 1998 by the city of Carouge from the bequest of Charlotte Bruckner who wished to contribute to the cultural development of the city. In order to promote the work of ceramics in the broadest sense, the city thus revives a historical activity: important ceramic factories were indeed located here from 1803 to 1933. The workshops can be made available to individuals or institutions. It is a lively place where artists and amateurs from all over the world can ask for residence to develop their art. A firing service is available in the kilns and courses in modeling, throwing or molding can be offered. The Bruckner Foundation organizes the Parcours Céramique Carougeois. This international ceramic biennial takes place every four years, the next one will probably take place in 2026. It encourages the public to discover contemporary ceramics in Carouge and in the canton. The Parcours Céramique Carougeois is a festival that allows the public to discover contemporary ceramics through exhibitions, conferences, guided tours, spectacular open-air firings, screenings and workshops for children. This place of creation leaves room for imagination and poetry. This Foundation places the city of Carouge as a recognized artistic center. A site that is more for the residents of Geneva and its region, but if you like ceramics..

Read more
 Geneva
2024

RED CROSS MUSEUM

Museums
International geopolitics, but from a humanitarian angle. An excellent ... Read more
 Geneva
2024

TRAM TOURISTIQUE (TOURISTIC TRAMWAY)

Guided tours

Don't miss this opportunity to discover Geneva in an authentic tramway dating from the 20th century! The Geneva Tramway Museum Association, which is in charge of their conservation, offers an unusual tour. From May to October, one Sunday a month, the streetcars take us back in time to discover the city, from Carouge to the Nations, passing through Plainpalais, from Rive to Place Neuve and back down to Carouge. A must try!

Read more
 Geneva
2024

PARC DES BASTIONS

Parks and gardens

Built on the former bastion when Geneva was dismantling its fortifications, this park has become one of the most popular green spaces in the city. It is here that the first botanical garden was established in 1817 by Augustin-Pyrame de Candolle. About fifty trees, with rare and varied species, remain in this park, which is rich in hundred-year-old trees. An oasis of 6.5 hectares of greenery in the center of the city, it is an essential place for all kinds of activities. Genevans, Plainpalais residents, students, lawyers from neighboring schools, come here to recharge their batteries, take a breath of fresh air and picnic on the deckchairs provided free of charge in summer. There are also the regulars who meet to play their game of chess on the giant checkers located near the Place Neuve. It is the paradise of children who enjoy the swings and the sandbox, it is the historical passage of the marathon runners during the Escalade race in December. And above all, it is home to an unmissable point of Protestant Geneva with the wall of the reformers against the old city walls. The Bastions University in its center dating from 1873, invites scholars and students to come and consult the works of the most important library in Switzerland. The music festival sets up its numerous stages and the city councillors sit in the Eynard Palace (1817). Strollers can stop at the bandstand and have a drink.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

EXPLORE SWISS WATCHMAKING

Visit Points of interest

Tic-Tac, it's time to take a break in two towns considered to be the jewels of Swiss luxury watchmaking. La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle are two humanist towns with distinctive industrial architecture, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2009. Enjoy a timeless experience at the heart of the watchmaking industry. Discover the watchmaking trades and the complete watchmaking process, from movement design to component assembly.

Read more
 La Chaux-De-Fonds
2024

MORAND DISTILLERY STORE

Themed tours and activities
Closed - Open to 09h00

A visit to Morand's is a must. For four generations, the house has been a must when travelling through the Valais! The distillery has been in operation since 1889 and produces the most emblematic product of the Valais: its eau-de-vie. The tour explains how the famous Abricotine PDO brandy, Williamine, is made. You will wander around the stills and discover all the secrets of production: from the selection of the fruit to the fermentation process.

Read more
 Martigny
2024

EUROPEAN COUNCIL FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH

Visit Points of interest
An absolutely fascinating visit focusing on communication and research ... Read more
 Geneva
2024

CHOCO PASS GENEVA

Themed tours and activities

It is difficult to visit Geneva without paying tribute to one of its unavoidable specialties: chocolate. Over the years, the quality and unique flavors of Swiss chocolate have not wavered. The Geneva Tourist Office has set up a very original program to allow travelers to taste the various flavors and aromas of Geneva's chocolates. The concept is simple: the purchase of the "choco pass" allows to test a wide range of chocolates in a "tasting plate" proposed in the stores listed in the "choco pass".

Read more
 Geneva
2024

PLATFORM 10

Art gallery exhibition space foundation and cultural center
A must-see for its architecture, the high quality of its exhibitions, the ... Read more
 Lausanne
2024

SWISS FILM LIBRARY

Museums
Vintage cinema to rediscover the charm of small-scale productions and ... Read more
 Lausanne
2024

CASTLE OF VALÈRE

Museums
4.5/5
4 reviews

A magnificent site both in terms of nature and heritage! Property of the Chapter, cited in the 11th-12th centuries, this castle served as a residence for the canons. The site is composed of an enclosure of four towers which enclosed the individual houses of the residents and their fortified church. The enclosure dates from the 12th century. Inside is the museum, which displays a variety of collections: Valaisan furniture from Roman times to the present day, gold and silverware, pewter, ironwork, costumes, portraits, Romanesque and Gothic statues.

Read more
 Sion
2024

STATUE OF FREDDIE MERCURY

Columns and statues to see
4.4/5
5 reviews

The Queen singer fell in love with Montreux while recording an album in 1978. He even said : "If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux" The band will also record their last albums in the Montreux studio, including great songs such as Mother Love. Freddie Mercury will live his last months here, before dying in 1991. Since then, other musicians have come to keep him company : Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, BB King...

Read more
 Montreux
2024

H.R. GIGER MUSEUM

Museums
4.3/5
6 reviews

Immerse yourself in the world of the fantastic and tortured art of H. R. Giger, the Swiss artist who won the 1980 Oscar for best visual effects for his artistic contribution to the film Alien. The museum is located in the Château Saint-Germain, in the heart of the city. It contains the largest existing collection of works by H.R. Giger: paintings, sculptures, furniture, film sets... Between reality, fiction, past and future, this museum will take you on a fascinating and disturbing journey. The bar associated with the museum, located opposite, is also worth a visit.

Read more
 Gruyères
2024

INTERNATIONAL WATCHMAKING MUSEUM (MIH)

Museums
4.5/5
4 reviews

The building houses a rich collection of clocks and watches (4,500 pieces), some of which are extremely rare: 17th century watches, astronomical clocks and some of the most sophisticated 21st century watches. Since 1989, the museum has also been a centre for the restoration of antique clocks. You will discover unique pieces of mechanical clocks and watches and the whole history of watchmaking: marine chronometers, watches with enamel of great rarity.

Read more
 La Chaux-De-Fonds
2024

JARDIN ANGLAIS (ENGLISH GARDEN)

Parks and gardens
4.3/5
6 reviews

One of the meeting points for Genevans - there's almost always something going on here: concerts, festivals, food trucks, the highlight of the Fête de la Musique, ephemeral bars, the site of the Ferris wheel in summer and early autumn, and home to the Geneva Lux light festival in winter. In short, this is a must-see venue for everyone. You won't want to miss it, on the left bank of the lake, next to the Mont-Blanc bridge. A landmark? Parked tourist buses: there you are. Here, you can admire the mosaic of flowers - changing with the seasons - that make up the famous flower clock, or simply relax. You're bound to pass by it on your way to the quays on the way to Eaux Vives beach, and further on to Parc Lagrange and Parc des Eaux Vives, and even further on to Genève Plage. The garden is not lacking in charm and offers a beautiful, shady view of Lake Geneva. Reclaimed from the lake when the harbour was filled in in 1854, it was the city's first English-style park. The writer Dostoyevsky described it as "an ugly little square". It's not lacking in charm, with its bronze fountain (1862), late 19th-century bandstand, Four Seasons fountain, national monument and pavilion. You're bound to stop here to admire the lake, take a photo of the fountain, enjoy a drink on the summer terrace in the shade or relax on the lawns. Not to be missed; but you won't miss it anyway.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

EMPTY TRAIN

Guided bus and train tours
3.8/5
10 reviews

This minitrain is made for strolling through the park with your children, and it's been around since 1964! This electric train will take young and old on its tracks along a circuit of the Vidy grounds, along the lakeshore linking the port and the Théâtre de Vidy. The adorable, recently repainted minilocomotives take children on a leisurely tour of the grounds. It's a fun way to stroll around, and toddlers love it... It's a great way to fall back into childhood with your kids!

Read more
 Lausanne
2024

PLACE DES NATIONS

Street square and neighborhood to visit
4.5/5
2 reviews

Here, we are in the heart of a Geneva that is open to the world. This neighborhood is home to a large number of international organizations: the UN of course, the UNHCR, the ICRC, the WTO, the ILO, the WIPO, the ERI and many others. In the center of the square, the work of the Geneva artist Daniel Berset: Broken Chair (1997), a giant chair with a piece of one of its legs amputated, symbol of the fight against antipersonnel mines erected by Handicap International. Facing the square, the great entrance of the Palais des Nations, an alley lined with the 192 flags of the member states.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

NYON CASTLE

Museums
4.5/5
2 reviews

Built at the end of the 12th century and enlarged in the 16th, Nyon Castle saw its drawbridge destroyed and its moat filled in in 1820. Today, the building houses a vast collection of earthenware and porcelain from the town's workshops, dating from the 18th to the 20th century, and organizes high-quality temporary exhibitions. The museum also showcases local artists. It is possible to take a virtual tour of the museum. From the terrace, there's a magnificent view over the rooftops of the old town and, weather permitting, Mont Blanc.

Read more
 Nyon
2024

LAKE OF GERONDE

Natural site to discover
4.5/5
2 reviews

This lake actually gathers two small ones. They can be found by taking the road from Chippis to Sion. The larger lake, where swimming is recommended, is dominated by the hill of the same name and the 14th century convent which has been home to a congregation of Bernardine nuns since 1935. It is a very pleasant place to come and cool off in summer. It is also a paradise for children who come to have fun. The smaller lake is suitable for walking and remains wilder.

Read more
 Sierre
2024

ALICE PAULI CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY

Art gallery exhibition space foundation and cultural center
4.5/5
2 reviews

The Alice Pauli Gallery is the oldest and undoubtedly the best known in Lausanne. Established in the Flon since 1962, Alice Pauli has exhibited Bissier, Tobey, Dubuffet and Vieira da Silva, to whom have been added in recent years Soulages, Penone, Plensa or Anne and Patrick Poirier, and the Swiss artists Jean Lecoultre, Yves Dana, Gaspard Delachaux, Catherine Bolle or Fabienne Verdier

Read more
 Lausanne
2024

ESPACE JEAN TINGUELY NIKI DE SAINT-PHALLE

Museums
4.5/5
2 reviews

Housed in a former tramway depot built in the early 20th century, the Espace is home to works by Jean Tinguely and his wife, French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle, who donated them to the city of Fribourg. One of Tinguely's masterpieces can be seen here: the Altarpiece of Western Abundance and Totalitarian Mercantilism, as well as Niki de Saint-Phalle's 22 painted polyester reliefs entitled Remembering (1997-1998). Temporary exhibitions are also on view.

Read more
 Fribourg
2024

BOIS DE LA BATIE

Parks and gardens
4.5/5
2 reviews
A real green lung fully equipped for walks, sports, picnics, and a paddling ... Read more
 Geneva
2024

OFFICE DU TOURISME DE SIERRE, SALGESCH ET ENVIRONS

Tourist office
4.5/5
2 reviews

For all your practical and organisational questions, the Sierre Tourist Office is an ally for visiting the region.

Read more
 Sierre
2024

QUARTIER LIBRE SIG

Art gallery exhibition space foundation and cultural center
4.3/5
3 reviews

Located on the Pont de la Machine, overlooking the Rhône as it joins Lake Geneva, the site reflects Geneva's early industrialization. It was one of the first structures built "on the water". Its function was to regulate the water level of the Rhône. Today, it is dedicated to the presentation of exhibitions on environmental, humanitarian and artistic themes, through interactive displays. It makes an interesting little tour from the quays adjacent to the Four Seasons to the old town.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

DÜRRENMATT CENTER

Art gallery exhibition space foundation and cultural center
4.3/5
3 reviews

Housed in a building designed by the famous Swiss architect Mario Botta, incorporating the former home of Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921-1990), and located in the heights of Neuchâtel in a green setting, this centre is mainly dedicated to the pictorial work of the writer and playwright. Known primarily as a writer, his passion for drawing and painting is highlighted here. Gouaches, oils, drawings and lithographs can be discovered throughout the visit in an original didactic museography. There is also a space devoted to his literary and dramatic work.

Read more
 Neuchâtel
2024

MUSÉE ARIANA, MUSÉE SUISSE DE LA CÉRAMIQUE ET DU VERRE (SWISS MUSEUM FOR CERAMICS AND GLASS)

Museums
4.3/5
3 reviews

If the theme of this museum - ceramics and glass - can leave some people cold, think again! It's well worth a visit - after a guided tour of the UN, for example, since it's right next door. The site is a jewel, well worth a visit for the richness of its collections, the beauty and refinement of its works, the quality and creativity of its exhibitions juggling contemporary and classical art. Housed in a beautiful, light-filled building, the museum is dedicated to the history and art of ceramics, glass and stained glass. Its collections, from Switzerland, Europe and the Far East, bring together pieces of unique beauty dating from the 9th century to the present day. We learn a great deal, following step by step, around the world, the history of porcelain, imported from China to Europe by the ships of the East India Company. As the museum's curator asserts, ceramics, glass and stained glass, the "arts of fire", were born of the four elements, earth and sand, nourished by water, then shaped by fire and nurtured by air. A true "connection with nature". Then comes the artist's extraordinary inventiveness over time. It's a journey around the world, through history and cultures. Over the course of history, these pieces reflect the almost infinite creativity and refinement of artists from a wide variety of cultures, and the wealth of exchanges and influences between these same cultures. Is it because the museum is housed in a vast, luminous building, with an atmosphere that reflects its founder's openness to the world? Quite simply, it makes you feel good. Close to the UN, this imposing building with its imposing dome, dating from the late 19th century, is surrounded by a beautiful park, the last remains of the vast estate of its founder, Gustave Revilliod (1817-1890). This wealthy man of letters was an exceptional traveler, art collector, archaeologist, scholar, humanist and polyglot, who traveled throughout Europe, the Orient and the rest of the world, bringing back masterpieces. He was passionate about everything: painting, sculpture, prints, textiles, furniture, ceramics, glass... As a patron of the arts, he travelled extensively and collected over 30,000 pieces, notably from the Far East. Today, the site houses over 28,000 pieces. The museum is well laid out, with large, well-lit rooms where the works are particularly well displayed. The museum evokes the odyssey of porcelain, which originated in China, appeared in the Middle East and then in Europe. It arrived by ship from the Middle Kingdom, and the round trip took eighteen months. Porcelain was a phenomenal success, but the secrets of its manufacture - jealously guarded by Chinese ceramists - remained unknown until the early 18th century. The fascinating history of ceramics over the centuries right up to the present day is recounted here. You'll be able to admire sumptuous pieces originating in China, the famous blue and white ceramics, the three-colored ceramics, and ceramics adapted to Western orders. The representation of Westerners as seen by the Chinese on ceramics is not without its salt. Wherever you are in the world, the way you look at things differs according to your country of origin. Persian ceramics reflect a civilization of unique wealth and refinement. As you enter the site, you are impressed by the imposing entrance hall, the brightly-lit rooms and the imposing vaulted ceiling. The building was dedicated to Gustave Revilliod's mother - named Ariana. Its architecture is inspired by Baroque and Italian influences. Its appearance is imposing, to say the least.

Works are exhibited in large, bright rooms, arranged along circular galleries around or above the imposing entrance hall - a grand staircase had been planned when the building was designed, but the idea was eventually abandoned.

Take a break in the small salon on the first floor, where you'll hear some travel stories told by Gustave Revilliod himself. Fascinating memoirs in which this open-minded and curious man of the world recounts not only some of his travel experiences, but also his exasperation with an overly conventional, sclerotic society and its contemporaries. As he says, the latter drove him to go back to the other side of the world.

The park - most of which now belongs to the UN - has a few souvenirs, including a replica of a bell from Japan's Shinagawa temple,

The temporary exhibitions are well worth a look, and the presentation of the pieces is really well thought-out and highly original. The dynamism of the museum's team is to be commended, as they always combine intercultural, social and historical aspects.

Every first Sunday of the month, as well as on certain Thursdays, the museum organizes excellent free guided tours of current exhibitions, not to be missed if you're visiting Geneva during this period. To find out more about the various events and workshops organized by the museum, consult the agenda available directly on the website (www.musee-ariana.ch/fr/agenda).

Read more
 Geneva
2024

VALORBE CAVES AND "FAIRY TREASURE"

Museums
4.3/5
3 reviews

A site accessible to the public since 1974, these caves reveal a fantastic natural spectacle: columns, stalagmites, stalactites, drapery, underground rivers. As a bonus: the discovery of the cathedral with a sound and light. After the visit, you can see a collection of 250 minerals exposed in rocky vaults and a magical decor.

Open to the public for 40 years, the Caves of Vallorbe are among the most beautiful in Europe. They took their evening to welcome the visitor in a decor worthy of the Thousand and One Nights. The walls are decorated with drapery and a soda rain (small tubes) falls within the ceilings of the different rooms. The most eccentric stalactites and stalagmites resulting from the marriage of water and limestone form an impressive "pile pile" or miniature reproduction of the Vendôme column. Trésor Treasure This trip in the basement, accompanied by the crystalline song of the Orb, ends with the discovery of the hidden treasure of the Fées: 250 minerals bursting with light beads in four alveoli dug in the rock.

Space The Cathedral. Since June 2011, a new room over 30 m high welcomes you in its centre and will make you discover its splendour thanks to a show of its light and light.

An app to visit the caves. Since June 2013, a free application on its mobile phone allows audio feedback throughout the visit. It is possible to download it in advance or directly on site thanks to Wi-Fi network.

Read more
 Vallorbe
2024

ONUG - PALACE OF NATIONS

Museums
4/5
4 reviews
Entering the Palais des Nations is to discover the underside of an ... Read more
 Geneva
2024

LAVAUX VINORAMA

Agriculture and viticulture
4/5
2 reviews

In the heart of Lavaux, Vinorama is a unique wine discovery center, featuring wines from all 290 vineyards in the region. Several hundred wines are available for tasting and sale. An audiovisual show explains the rhythm of the vine, oenology and the characteristics of the vineyard.

Cultural and sensory walks: on foot with a guide, for groups of 15 or more.

Various tour options, including wine tour, jewel of Lavaux, balcony of Lavaux, "de luxe", "marcheur", tuk-tuk tour.

Read more
 Rivaz
2024

AQUATIS

Aquarium
4/5
2 reviews
Europe's largest freshwater aquarium, no less; a real return to childhood, ... Read more
 Lausanne
2024

CHATEAU DE MONTS WATCHMAKING MUSEUM

Museums
4/5
2 reviews

What a magnificent setting to house a watchmaking museum! In this Louis XVI style patrician residence, the Château des Monts was once the home of the Dubois family. The castle has kept its former glory and the large collection of clocks, watches and automatons enhances the building. The know-how of the watchmakers is recounted in a film and a slide show. You can wander through each room of the castle, discovering works and timepieces.

Read more
 Le Locle
2024

PARC DES EAUX-VIVES

Parks and gardens
4/5
2 reviews

If only for the beauty of its redbark redwoods, its pines and firs and other trees of unique beauty, come and walk in this park. Created in the 16th century, located in the extension of the Lagrange park, it is a marvel. This "ocean of greenery", a true haven of peace, offers an exceptional view of the lake and the Jura. Its name originates from the presence of numerous underground springs that once fed the city. You can relax on the lawns, while children will enjoy the games. You will be able to have a meal.

Read more
 Geneva
2024

PARC AUX ANIMAUX DU BOIS DE LA BATIE

Animal park and aquarium
4/5
2 reviews

In 1945, the park's gardener set up makeshift shelters to take in injured animals from the region, giving rise to the creation of this small animal park. It is now home to the region's wild fauna (wild boar, ducks, ibex, etc.)! We work for the conservation of endangered species. A pleasant site for families with young children. From here, you can follow the many paths along the Rhône, which are particularly beautiful in autumn...

Read more
 Geneva
2024

MARKET SQUARE

Street square and neighborhood to visit
4/5
1 review

A beautiful square overlooking the lake, often transformed into a soccer pitch in summer. At the beginning of the 13th century, Place des Halles was the area separating the old from the new town. Here, the Bishop of Lausanne had his tower (erected between 1221 and 1229), his house and his bread ovens. At the beginning of the 15th century, the bishop's domination gradually gave way to the villagers, who built the halles to the south of the tower. At that time, the halles building was intended for the storage of merchandise, and probably for a covered market.

Read more
 Lutry
2024

FOUNTAIN OF JUSTICE

Fountains to see
4/5
1 review

Fountains with an allegory of Justice were a great success in the reformed cities of the 16th century. In Lausanne, the stone basin dates from 1557 and the statue is believed to have been executed in 1584-1585. The present copy dates from 1930 (the original, unpainted, is on display at the Historical Museum of Lausanne). Above the fountain, a clock comes alive every hour from 9am to 7pm. Accompanied by carillon music, a man's voice briefly tells the history of the canton of Vaud, while pretty characters appear.

Read more
 Lausanne